Practice Question
A client in the operating room begins to experience cardiac arrhythmia and muscular rigidity. The nurse notes that the client is breathing rapidly, their oxygen saturation is dropping, and their temperature is rising. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Discontinue all forms of anesthesia
Rationale:
🔷 Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening reaction triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine, so the priority is to STOP the triggering agents immediately.
🔷 Continuing anesthesia exposure worsens uncontrolled calcium release in skeletal muscles, increasing hypermetabolism, rigidity, and hyperthermia.
🔷 Discontinuation prevents further escalation of tachycardia, acidosis, and rhabdomyolysis.
🔷 Stopping anesthetics is the first lifesaving intervention before other treatments like dantrolene sodium and cooling can be initiated.
🔷 All other actions are secondary and cannot be effective until the triggering agents are removed.
Incorrect Options
🔷 Administer sterile ice water NG: Cooling is helpful but not the priority before stopping the trigger.
🔷 Administer 100% FiO₂: Oxygenation is secondary to removing the cause of the crisis.
🔷 Notify PACU: Communication is not the priority during an active hypermetabolic emergency.
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This question is from Custom NUR1211 Midterm November 2025 which contains 85 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4